Charred Green Chilies: Air Fryer Magic

Green chillies are a versatile ingredient used in various dishes, adding a unique flavour and a kick of heat. Roasting them is a popular way to prepare them, as it brings out their natural sweetness and smokiness while mellowing out their spiciness. This can be done in an oven or on a grill, but it can also be done in an air fryer. Air-frying green chillies is a quick, convenient, and healthy way to achieve a charred and smoky flavour. It is also more efficient than traditional methods, as it requires less oil and has faster cooking times.

Selecting the right green chillies

Freshness and Quality

Look for fresh, firm, and unblemished green chillies. The chillies should have bright green stems and firm flesh, which are indicators of freshness. Avoid chillies with soft spots or signs of mould as they may affect the roasting process and the final flavour.

Variety

Popular varieties for roasting include:

• Anaheim/California Chiles: These are mild to medium heat and are ideal for roasting. They are commonly used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.
• Poblano Chiles: Poblano chillies have a rich, complex flavour and a moderate heat level. They are often used in traditional Mexican dishes such as chiles rellenos and mole sauce.
• Hatch Chiles: Hatch chillies are grown in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico and come in various heat levels, from mild to hot. They are known for their intense flavour profile.
• Serrano Chiles: Smaller in size and pack more heat. They are commonly used in salsas and as a spicy addition to dishes.
• Jalapeno Chiles: Widely popular and offer a balance of heat and flavour. They are versatile and can be used in a range of cuisines.

Heat Preference

Consider your preference for heat when selecting chillies. Some varieties are milder, while others are hotter. If you prefer a milder flavour, choose a chilli with a low capsaicin rating. The Scoville scale can be used to determine the spiciness of a chilli.

Size and Consistency

Choose chillies that are of consistent size for even cooking. If you're working with larger chillies, they may take longer to cook, so you can increase the cooking time accordingly. Smaller chillies may cook more quickly, so you can reduce the cooking time.

Colour

Select chillies with a vibrant green colour. Avoid chillies that are starting to turn red, as this indicates they are no longer fresh.

By carefully selecting the right green chillies, you can enhance the flavour and texture of your roasted chillies and create delicious culinary creations.

Preparing the chillies

Firstly, select the right chillies. Look for fresh, firm, and unblemished green chillies such as Poblano or Hatch chillies, which are popular choices due to their flavour profile and availability. The type of chilli you choose will depend on your preferred spice level, as some varieties are milder, while others are spicier.

Once you've selected your chillies, it's time to wash and dry them thoroughly. Use cold running water to remove any dirt or debris, and then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Next, remove the stems from the chillies using a sharp knife. This step is important as it allows hot air to circulate evenly during the roasting process. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can also remove the seeds and white membranes, as this is where most of the heat is concentrated.

At this point, you can choose to slice the chillies in half lengthwise or leave them whole. Slicing the chillies will result in a quicker roasting process, as it allows the hot air to penetrate the chillies more easily.

Before placing the chillies in the air fryer, lightly coat them with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or another high-heat cooking oil. This will help facilitate the roasting process and prevent the chillies from drying out.

Finally, arrange the chillies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This is an important step, as overcrowding can impede the circulation of hot air and result in uneven roasting.

Now your chillies are prepared and ready for roasting! Follow the specific instructions for your air fryer model to achieve the perfect char. Remember to keep an eye on the chillies during the roasting process and adjust the time as needed to reach your desired level of char and tenderness.

Roasting the chillies

Next, preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, lightly coat the chillies with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or any other high-heat cooking oil. This will help the roasting process and prevent the chillies from drying out.

Now you're ready to roast the chillies. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will allow them to cook evenly. Cook the chillies for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Depending on the size and thickness of the chillies, as well as your desired level of roast, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

To check if the chillies are done, look for a charred exterior and blistered skin. They should be soft and tender to the touch. If they need a little longer, you can continue roasting for a few more minutes until they reach the desired level of doneness.

Once they're done, remove the chillies from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle when it comes to peeling. The charred skin should come off easily, revealing the roasted flesh underneath. You can use a knife or your fingers to remove the skin.

Roasted green chillies are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Try adding them to salsas, dips, soups, stews, or chilli. They also work well as a topping for pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, or tacos. You can even blend them into sauces or marinades to add a smoky flavour to your recipes.

Checking for doneness

• Colour and Texture: Look for visual cues on the chillies' skin. The ideal colour is a vibrant, slightly charred skin with blistering and slight wrinkling. The chillies should also feel soft and tender to the touch. If the skin is still mostly green and firm, they may be undercooked. On the other hand, excessive charring or blackening may indicate overcooking.
• Wrapping in a Towel: After removing the chillies from the air fryer, transfer them to a clean towel and loosely wrap them. Allowing the chillies to steam inside the towel for 5-10 minutes helps to loosen the skin, making it easier to remove.
• Peeling the Skin: Following the steaming process, gently rub or peel the skin off with your fingers or a towel. The skin should come off easily, revealing the tender flesh underneath. If the skin is difficult to remove or the flesh is still firm, the chillies may require additional cooking time.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size, thickness, and variety of the chillies, as well as your desired level of doneness. Always monitor the chillies closely during the roasting process and adjust the time as needed. Additionally, remember to wear gloves when handling green chillies to protect your hands from the heat.

Cooling and peeling

Once your green chillies are perfectly charred, it's time to let them cool down and peel them. This process is crucial for achieving the desired texture and taste. Here is a step-by-step guide on cooling and peeling your air-fried green chillies:

Cooling:

• Remove the chillies from the air fryer: Once your chillies have reached the desired level of charring and tenderness, take them out of the air fryer. Use tongs or a spatula to handle them carefully as they will be hot.
• Allow them to cool: Place the roasted chillies on a plate or a wire rack and let them cool down for a few minutes. This step will make them easier to handle and reduce the risk of burning your fingers.

Peeling:

• Check for doneness: Before peeling, ensure that your chillies are ready. The skin should be blistered and charred, while the flesh should be tender and juicy.
• Peel the skin: Using your fingers or a knife, carefully remove the charred skin from the chillies. It should come off easily, revealing the roasted flesh underneath. If the skin is difficult to peel, you may need to cook the chillies a little longer.
• Remove the stems and seeds: After peeling, remove the stems and seeds from the chillies. You can also remove the inner membranes if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Slice or chop: Depending on your preference and intended use, you can slice or chop the roasted chillies into desired sizes or shapes.

Your air-fried green chillies are now ready to be used in various dishes! You can add them to salsas, dips, sauces, soups, stews, sandwiches, tacos, and more. Remember to handle the chillies with care as they will be hot initially. Enjoy the delicious, smoky flavour they add to your culinary creations!

Frequently asked questions